EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BLOOD TESTING
WHAT ARE BLOOD TESTS?
A blood test is a lab test for the substances that can be found in your blood. You may have a blood test to track how well you manage a condition such as diabetes or high cholesterol. You can also have them for regular check-ups or if you are sick.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BLOOD TESTS?
There are many different types of blood tests. Common ones include:
1- Complete Blood Count (CBC): These tests measure the various components of your blood, including red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. CBC is often included as part of standard tests.
2- Blood Clotting Tests: also known as the coagulation panel. These tests can show if you have a disease that causes excessive bleeding or thickening.
3- Blood Enzymes Test: Enzymes are substances that control the chemical reaction in your body. There are many types of blood enzyme tests. Some of the most common types are tests for troponin and creatine kinase. These tests are used to find out if you have had a heart attack and/or if your heart muscle has been damaged.
4- Basic Metabolism Panel: This is a group of tests that measure certain chemicals in your blood, including glucose, calcium, and electrolytes.
5- Blood Tests To Check For Heart Disease: These include cholesterol testing and triglyceride testing.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BLOOD TEST?
A blood test usually involves taking a blood sample from your blood arm.
The arm is the easiest part of the body that you can use because it can be easily found. The most commonplace for sampling is within the elbow or wrist, where the veins are almost closed.
Blood samples from children are usually taken on the back of the hand. Their skin may be sensitive to a special spray or cream before sampling.
A tight belt (tourniquet) is usually worn around your upper arm. This tightens the arm, temporarily slows blood flow, and causes the artery to swell. This makes it easier to sample.
Before taking a sample, the doctor or nurse can clean the skin area by wiping the antiseptic.
A needle is inserted into a syringe or a special vessel into a vein. The injection is used to extract a sample of your blood. You may feel a slight tingling or scratch as the needle enters, but it should not be painful. If you don't like needles and blood, tell the person taking the sample to make you feel comfortable.
Once the sample is taken, the tourniquet will be removed, and the needle will be removed. The pressure is applied to the skin for a few minutes using a cotton-wool pad. Concrete can be applied to a small wound to keep it clean.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF BLOOD TESTS
The main risks of a blood test are discomfort and injury in the area where the needle enters. These problems are usually mild and disappear immediately after the test.
BLOOD TESTS RESULTS
After a blood sample is taken, it will be bottled and your name and details will be recorded. It will then be sent to a laboratory where it will be examined under a microscope or chemically tested, depending on the test.
The results are returned to your hospital or doctor. Some test results will be ready on the same day or a few days later, or others may not be available for a few weeks. You will be told when your results will be ready and how you will be presented.
BENEFITS OF HAVING A BLOOD TEST
Annual blood tests are a key factor in preventing various forms of degenerative diseases. By providing a brief overview of your current life, a blood test can detect potential health problems before they escalate to the point where they can be treated more effectively. Blood tests are very good to do and quick to do. In addition, they offer a lot of information that can help you. Regular blood tests are one of the most effective ways to keep track of your overall well-being. Periodic testing will help you understand how your body changes over time and allows you to make informed decisions based on your health. Here are some suggestions on how to make blood tests more effective for you and your health.
